Episode 01 MOONLIGHT DRAWN BY CLOUDS
( a work of fiction based loosely on historical characters )
YI YEONG - Crown Prince HYOMYEONG (late 1820s Joseon)
[ "The Unknown Love Story of Joseon" - Hong Sam-Nom ]
I didn't come all the way here
for me.
It's for a friend.
I fear he's acting oddly.
What odd things?
He walked into a wall in a daze.
He's getting drunk
and gets into fights, unlike him.
You get mad when people talk
about a certain woman.
That's right!
Your friends tell you it won't work out with her.
How'd you know?
So you're a love expert.
Your reputation is real.
Life is worthless because of that wi-
that woman.
It's okay. I know.
No man ever died
from confessing love.
So...
have courage.
You're going for a stroll?
Oh my. Are you alright?
Be careful.
Her steely heart won't glance at you.
Steel?
It will be hard to move her.
What must I do?
Do nothing for 10 days.
What if she forgets me?
If a man who's always around disappears,
a woman is curious.
Then, on the 10th day...
Are you hurt?
What are you doing?
Are you alright?
Yes, I'm fine.
Don't do this again.
No. I'll block everything,
a falling branch,
a stone flying at you, fingers pointing at you!
I'll block them all.
Just where...
did you disappear for 10 days?
[ "Scholar from Mars, Woman from Venus" ]
[ "The Unknown Love Story of Joseon" ]
[ "Moonlight Drawn by Clouds" ]
[ Chapter 1: Moonlight Destiny ]
Jeoha (Prince), are you awake?
Jeoha, we beg your forgiveness, but it's urgent.
Go in, go in.
Go in, go.
Go, go.
KING SOONJO
His Majesty is...
Don't announce me.
Yea, Jeonha! (Yes, Your Majesty)
Jeonha (King).
Greetings.
You last studied
"Admonition on Rising Early and Retiring Late".
Remember?
"When the cock crows"
"and you wake,"
"wash yourself,"
"comb your hair, don your robes."
"Open your books of sages."
"Confucius is seated,"
"and Yan Hui and Zengzi attend."
What's that mean?
A scholar must sit erect,
and compose his mind,
silent and ordered.
Yes. Hold this wisdom
in your heart and reflect.
I shall, Teacher.
Seeing Seja (Crown Prince) focus on his study
warms my heart.
My god.
What did the book mean
- about dressing properly? - "Dressing properly?"
"Don't..."
Don't mock that simple question.
What?
It says, "haha 3 times".
(Laugh 3 times)
Is this a puppet show!
Bring it to me.
Aye. Jeonha.
Jeonha! We deserve to die!
We don't deserve your mercy!
That fool.
( Premier KIM HUN, Queen's father )
I obeyed you as my teacher.
I'm tied in knots.
- Jeoha, I... - I mean, heck,
teach your pupil,
don't pretend to teach.
Forgive me, Jeoha.
My goodness.
I'm joking.
You did nothing wrong.
The gust of wind was to blame.
Jeoha, what's that?
A sky-flying paper...airplane!
- Sam-Nom! - Hi!
Have a good day!
Who's that youth?
You don't know him?
He's born for big deeds.
He chases money!
He's Sam-Nom!
[ Apply to become eunuchs. Payment 10 silver nyang ]
That'd clear my debt.
Eunuch...
Why'd you turn away from medicine?
You drink it.
With lenders after us, I don't deserve tonics.
Father, don't be like that.
I said stop.
Why do you bug me?
We don't share blood or a family name.
Why won't you leave?
Seriously.
Stop telling me to leave.
You found me and raised me.
I'm a burden to you!
You wanted to find your mother.
How long will you pose as a boy?
- Again..! - Anyone home?
Yes!
Stop the rot. Take your tonic.
Ra-On.
Don't call me that.
I'm Sam-Nom. Hong Sam-Nom.
If you don't return one day,
I'd be glad.
Know what I mean.
I'd be sad.
I'll be back.
Master, I brought Sam-Nom.
( Young Master JUNG )
You're here.
- Hey. - Seriously.
What's that outfit?
I made it. Well?
It's a camouflage uniform.
You can't tell
if I'm foliage or foliage is me.
- Right? - Yes, well...
- So what was the reply? - Yeah.
She's worried whether pollen makes me sneeze.
- What will you write? - What?
Tell me how you feel.
I'm writing for you.
I don't lie.
That's right.
Soon I'll leave with a troupe.
Will you simply exchange letters?
What else will we do?
Won't you meet her?
You don't want to?
Yes. I do.
"Your eyes resemble black pearls".
"Your nose is a sharp crescent moon".
"Your lips are pomegranate red"?
( Princess MYEONG-EUN )
Who is it?
Who's seducing my sister with terrible lies?
I don't know.
I only collect the letter at a set time and place.
Truly, Jeoha.
"May I meet you before spring ends"
"under the tree in Mount Mongmyeok?"
- May he or not? - He may not.
What will you tell Princess Myeong-Eun?
Pardon?
- "You can't go". - She'll insist.
- "Seja is concerned". - She'll blame me.
"I found no reply"?
Sounds good. Dismissed.
Yea, Jeoha.
I see why it's the Palace of Poop.
The pay's too low for night shifts.
I'd rather pull bean sprouts from someone's poop.
Stop saying poop!
I'm eating...it's bean sprouts.
( Eunuch JANG )
It's too much.
To avoid body odour, we eat bland food
and chew bitter herbs.
It's disappointing.
If there's any new, smart eunuch,
send him my way.
We few manage a big Palace.
- Eunuch Jang. - Yes?
We're in trouble. Seja...
What about him?
He took off his Royal Robes and took off again.
Jeoha...Jeo- Jeoha!
Jeonha.
Ask the Queen's father.
Jeonha.
Ask the Queen's father!
I came here to taste honey
but found rotten fish eggs.
How dare you.
Where do you live? Who are you?
Who are you, talking rudely?
Brat, I'm no other than...
You answer first.
I live in the Palace over there.
I go this way, turn right, go this way, that way,
- in that huge Poop Palace. - Wait.
Now I hear you,
I also live there.
Fa-...Father?
Seja.
Why you...!
Instead of studying,
you play up outside.
Let me play too.
You!
How dare you mock Royals and-
expect to live?
Call yourself a janggu* player? (*drum)
You only know how to talk.
Tie that broken rope.
I tied my janggu today.
Seriously...
Oh goodness.
Oh?
Wait. What's this-?
- What are you doing? - Undress.
H-here. P-put this on.
He wants you to undress and wear his clothes.
When he's nervous or surprised,
he stammers.
- True. - I see.
But, why undress?
G-G-o to M-Mount M-Mongmyeok...
Go to Mount Mongmyeok today on his behalf.
Correct.
Does she want to meet?
H-her st-status is t-too...
Impossible; she's too high-class.
- You must handle it. - Right.
Eh? Why do I handle it?
I wrote letters for you,
but I thought you were sincere.
Wasn't it true?
If I go for you, I must pose as a noble.
If I'm caught, I'm dead.
Sam-Nom. H-here.
Take this money.
Right.
Who am I?
This isn't all.
Don't bribe others.
- Y-Yes. - Shall I dress?
- Yes. - Hurry up.
Now I'm so close to you after being far away,
I can't hide my nervousness.
After my letters of loneliness,
I'm discontent not seeing you.
You fill my eyes.
I like the voice.
Where's the Beauty?
Why's it a man?
We can't be together.
I'm sorry I loved someone...
I never should have.
I wondered about her rank,
but it's a man?
Goodness.
This isn't all.
Your words were so moving.
I couldn't avoid tears...
as I read that part.
When you're weepy, just cry.
What?
You suffer a forbidden love.
It's alright. I understand.
Why'd you ask to meet?
You know it's pointless.
How can feelings stop
even when love is not allowed?
I had one aim.
I only wanted...
to express...
deep love.
I'm sure you yearned for him.
Rather than stay here,
let's forget all prejudice
and make a lasting memory.
Trust me.
Let's do lunch.
Welcome-
- Goodness. - Gosh.
Oh my, dumb fool.
Clean up.
Their gukbap (rice soup) is great.
The owner here
cooked in the royal kitchen.
How much kimchi are you sons of bitches eating?
You're laughing, morons?
Ma'am, you're harsh to customers?
Harsh? You bastards!
I want a profit, you ***!
Stuff yourself with rice!
Why's her cursing funny?
- You're kidding? - I'm asking.
Heck, you're frustrating.
How's that scolding?
It's like grandmotherly love.
My grandmother never cursed.
Truly?
Mm.
Did your grandfather ever scold you for
- memorising characters wrong? - No.
I mastered it by age 3. How can I err?
Were you hit for bed-wetting?
I never bed-wet.
If I had, no-one dared hit me.
You're a Flower Scholar.
- Flower Scholar? - Yes.
You were born wealthy
and raised daintily like a flower.
Flower? I'm not like that.
Who cares?
Not all boys are tough.
Some are delicate.
I'm not.
Fine, leave it at that.
Why you...
You sons of bitches.
If you're done, get lost.
You bastard, staring at me-
I've seen your eyes before...
Se-Se...
Sej-
Goodness...
Here, try it.
What are you doing?
Gukbap goes with kimchi.
Try it.
Follow me.
Hey, where are you going?
We have to finish!
Hey, wait.
So say you're not hungry.
You wasted gukbap?
Oh my...
Ooh.
Don't do this here.
I came here, instead of sending men,
in the hope you'd be caring.
However,
you don't even know to whom you wrote
as a phony noble.
How do I dispose of you?
Pardon?
I-I'm not phony.
I am a noble.
My letters were sincere.
Oh gosh.
Is that so?
Lead the way.
I want to see your household.
Go.
Go where?
Go.
She almost got a Virtuous Woman Award.
How'd he incite my daughter-in-law to run off?
What are you doing?
Bring him now.
Get him now!
Come this way.
Oh, be careful.
( KIM YOON-SUNG )
So old-fashioned meeting me.
What's this rudeness?
The sunlight is rude.
It's so strong...
it may harm a beautiful face.
Why'd you worry about a woman?
A woman?
"A beautiful face"?
I spoke of myself.
- Can't you trust me? - Go on. - Aah.
Here comes poop.
- It stinks. - Go easy.
If you don't pay interest in three days,
I won't pour poop on you.
I'll burn you alive.
Get that?
Hey.
I need to pee here.
You'll watch me?
You can pee too.
~ Moonlight Drawn by Clouds ~
My back hurts.
What are you doing?
Are you hurt?
Why'd you push me?
Ah, so... you see...
Snake...
Do you need to die...
Snake...
- Get on hands and knees. - What?
I'll pull you from above, so get down.
- Push me up. I'll pull you... - Get down.
- I'll go up. - Get down.
Just stay put.
Someone will pass by here.
Goodness!
On your hands and knees.
Get down!
I told you to wait.
Stand so I can lift you up.
- Can you reach? - Huh? Ooh.
I can't.
How about now?
A bit more.
When we get out, I'll make you regret
putting me in here.
Eh? What did you say?
Nothing. Can you reach now?
I can't. Lift me higher.
Higher.
Stretch out your arm.
Use more strength!
And now?
Just a bit more... I'm out!
One-two!
See here.
Go find a branch.
What are you thinking?
I'll send someone.
- I'm sorry. - You can't.
I'll send someone fas
When I get out...!
I'll let you off.
Help me out.
You said you'll make me regret.
That was a joke. Hey!
You, how dare you?
Can you handle the consequences?
Yes. I'll do as you want if we meet again.
I'll be your dog if you want.
I'm deeply sorry.
- I'm sorry. - Hey...!
Hey! You can't leave me. Hey!
- Hey! - We had fun.
Come back!
Let's not meet.
Get back here!
You gukbap rascal, hey!
Get back here!
Gosh.
What's their crime?
He fled with his master's widowed daughter-in-law.
What?
Isn't she his master's daughter?
Then why's this person
"Wanted"?
That servant paid him to lure the lady.
Gosh.
He didn't lure the lady...
He must've been a go-between.
Excuse me.
What are you doing?
These two ran away together.
What if he's caught?
The servant's master will kill him.
I'm not sure
but the lady was mistreated by the family.
In her suffering,
he comforted her.
So I heard.
How do you know so much?
Wait. Show your face.
Why?
Show your face.
Aren't you coming?
Did you play in mud like a kid?
The leaders of the rice riot have been executed.
But the market merchants
shouldn't be overlooked.
So, I suggest the execution of Merchant Kim Jae Seok
and Merchant Ha Yoon Soo.
Do as you wish.
Yes, Jeonha.
Oh, wait...
They're already executed?
I hadn't heard.
I gave the command.
Isn't my judgment your judgment?
We should make a plan
so hungry people won't steal rice.
Do you really believe
I'd approve of killing them?
You're too soft-hearted.
If we give one sack to hungry rioters,
they'd want more.
It won't end with rice.
They'll invade your palace.
An assassin could enter your room
like 10 years ago.
You still sleep badly.
Don't doubt my loyalty.
Entrust all affairs to me
and focus on your health.
Any questions?
None.
Do you think that disguises you?
You mean the mole?
You noticed, so I won't lie.
Thanks for helping me.
You didn't deserve to die.
However...
you got away this time,
but people know your face.
Take care.
Ah! See here..
I wanted to say those two seemed happy.
You're quick to go.
Really.
Let go of me!
Hold onto him!
Holy cow! Now Sam-Nom is one of them!
What will you do with me?
Sam-Nom. I sold you,
but don't forget.
I assure you,
it's better this way.
Understand?
Ah, really!
Where'd you sell me?!
( Training Institute, Office of Eunuch Attendants )
Sheesh. Come here!
Let go of me! Let go!
Open the door.
Well...
What's this place?
- Office of Eunuchs. - What's that?
We make boys eunuchs.
Make them what?
Eunuchs.
Eun-?
-nuch.
Not me.
I can't be a eunuch.
Open the door.
I beg you, open the door.
I'm Uhm Gong.
Eh? Uhm Gong?
Oh, yes.
Lord Uhm Gong.
Or, Teacher?
Your Highness!
Please save me! Please save me...
Go away!
Get away!
I won't do it now.
Don't waste energy.
No food or water for three days before the chop.
You'll suffer.
Food and water...
Ah, I don't even have anything.
You don't have something?
Eh?
Today he sent no word?
No.
Nothing was under the tile.
Many days have passed.
Why isn't there a reply?
Mama (Your Highness).
How is he so heartless?
I can't believe him.
No crying. You'll disturb the ghosts.
I was paid for you.
Be a eunuch or die. No option.
Still,
it's fortunate.
How so?
I heard you're the best at this.
Me?
I'm quite talented.
Hang on.
Others keep 3 or 4 in 10 alive; I'm better.
I save 5 out of 10.
That's amazing.
That's not all.
- 10 years ago... - 10 years?
Well...this is a secret.
I was drunk, but I cut it off precisely.
- Precisely. - Mm.
It's true?
How, while drunk?
My hand knew how.
Your hand.
But, everyone says they're great.
What?
Well, aging people make mistakes.
How dare you say that to Uhm Gong?
You're a real man.
Sure, I'm no wench.
Drink.
Pour another. I can handle it.
I finished drinking.
Back to work.
The truth is...!
My useless drinking!
Oh, I cut drunkenly again.
Oh my, oh my. Sam-Nom.
He's alive. He lives.
You're here.
What happened...
You remember last night, yes?
You were confident.
Don't you remember?
I d-d-do. I remember.
I did it, mm...
But...
Do you feel okay?
As you said, you were great.
That's right...
I'll sleep.
Of c-c-course. Rest well.
Mm, rest.
Sir.
Sam-Nom isn't coming.
Let's go.
Let's go! I wasn't waiting.
Let's go.
Ra-On.
Take that off.
I won't...for today, no, until sunset.
Mm? Mother.
You're not a girl.
You're a boy. Okay?
Want me to repeat it, or slap you again?
Take it off.
Ra-On.
If you don't return one day,
I'll be glad.
Know what I mean.
Heck.
He must think I ran away.
He'll be glad.
- I don't want it. - Ah, heck.
You're worrying me.
I'll get revenge.
I'll catch him and chop him up.
What if he's very ill?
Mama.
What brings you?
Can't I come?
See. You look terrible.
What's this?
Eat and I'll tell you.
This book lists the most eligible bachelors.
Why give me this?
Pick one you like.
I'll bring him to you.
What?
This world has many men.
Including that wimp.
Entering the palace!
( KIM BYUNG-YEON )
Be ready.
After an examination,
tough training begins.
What exam?
They check if it's been cut off properly.
Relax. You know my skills.
Who are you?
Flower Scholar?
Young Master Jung?
Can you handle the consequences?
Yes. I'll do as you want if we meet again.
I'll be your dog if you want.
Nice to see you.
Bow-Wow.
~ it swallows my heart while holding a white moon flower ~
~ it colours my heart while holding a bright smile ~
~ an aromatic wind melts me ~
~ Love in the Moonlight ~
- Begin the physical exam. - I'm dead.
Won't I recognise a woman's figure?
Bow-Wow?
Who are you?
Look at Seja.
Deposing him is easy.
Get him!
What timing.
Crown Prince appeared as the arrow was shot.